A foundational explanation of the modern global system. Students trace the interacting forces of politics and economics around the globe, with particular attention to key historical periods of expansion and crisis.

Provides a historical understanding for major global issues today. Focuses on interdisciplinary social science theories and methods to develop core analytical and writing skills and engage complex questions of causation and effects of global events and forces.

Dives into how power, violence, and development shape the world, focusing on diverse cultures and histories. Explores how economic, political, and social backgrounds influence interactions and identities internationally. Students think critically about culture, examining how different groups use it today. Through case studies and social science methods, students gain new perspectives on how diversity plays a role in addressing global challenges.

Key themes in the study of Asia, with focus on the present. Topics include: the notion of “Asia;” cultural and religious similarities and differences; comparison of colonial experiences under Western and Asian powers; World War II and liberation; postwar patterns of economic and political development; social patterns and issues.

History of religions, concentrating on religious traditions that have developed west of the Indus. Primary attention to the Semitic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and to their ancient world background with emphasis on basic conceptual and symbolic structures.

History of religions, concentrating on religions that have developed in South Asia and East Asia. Primary attention to Hinduism and Buddhism; other important Asian religions are discussed in relation to them, with emphasis on basic conceptual and symbolic structures.

Covers the methodology of international and global studies social science research. Introduces different methods of research including quantitative, qualitative, historical, and ethnographic.

Establishment, maintenance, and decay of the post-1945 international economic order. Political economy of international trade, monetary relations, inflation, and North-South relations.

Growth, income distribution, and economic development in less-developed countries today. Policies concerning trade, industrialization, the agricultural sector, human resources, and financing of development.

Theoretical and historical analysis to explore the causes and effects of the rise and decline of four major international trade and monetary regimes. Foundations and emerging features of the new international trade and monetary regime and its implications for the world economy.

Dives into how power, violence, and development shape the world, focusing on diverse cultures and histories. Explores how economic, political, and social backgrounds influence interactions and identities internationally. Students think critically about culture, examining how different groups use it today. Through case studies and social science methods, students gain new perspectives on how diversity plays a role in addressing global challenges.

Focuses on the identification and understanding of current global challenges from a variety of analytical perspectives. Students from the U.S and from abroad explore creative ways to address these challenges and to effect positive change based on international collaboration.

Interdisciplinary introduction to the field of South Asian Studies. Overview of the topographic, social, and linguistic geography and history of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Examines politics, economy, social structure, religion, cultural production and the arts, popular culture, and transnationalism.

Interdisciplinary introduction to the civilizations of Asia, particularly those of India, China, Japan, and Korea. Explores the religion, philosophy, literature, art, and social and political thought of these civilizations from ancient times to the 17th century.

Using the expertise of University of Washington faculty from several disciplines, the course will also introduce you to different methods and approaches to studying Europe. Special emphasis will be placed on the politics of European integration and the capacities of the EU to cope with multiple simultaneous challenges in the economic, political, social, and foreign policy realms.

Investigates how to create meaning in religious and humanistic traditions, how to develop ethical traditions that enable trust and a thriving social order, and the relationship between money and meaning. Students ask what makes life worth living and discover sources of meaning and ethical maxims, as well as tools to navigate decision-making and fashion a flourishing life.

Studies yoga and its history, practice, literature, and politics. From the ancient past to modern yoga, studies essential texts and ideas, as well as the effects of class, religion, gender, nationalism, development, Marxism, colonialism, and physical culture on yoga.

Explores the intersection of religion and politics in various world regions, including the U.S., Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and China. Focuses on the role religious diversity plays in affecting government policy, including how state power structures privilege certain faith traditions and how political actors can be captured by religious interest groups. Includes discussion of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.

Task Force is a unique undergraduate capstone that offers Jackson School students practical experience making policy recommendations. Each Task Force report is produced by teams of student researchers and evaluated by real-world experts in the field. Learn more about Task Force

Critical evaluation of readings with emphasis on persuasive writing.

Critical evaluation of readings with an emphasis on public writing.